Old School: Wisdom From Grandma & Grandpa

Common sense, hard-won lessons and the way our grandparents did it, from the people who lived it. Still works.

The BRO Code. What to do, what not to do, and a few laughs on the way.

Pick Three Local Businesses and Give Them Your Regular Money

The December splurge at the gift shop doesn't keep anybody's doors open. Predictable monthly spending does, and so do four other things most customers never think to do.

GuideSchool & LearningMarcus ValeSep 23, 20265 min

How to Sit In on College Classes After You Retire

Auditing is cheaper than almost anyone thinks, and in most states the door is already open. You just have to know who to ask.

Ask BRO

Give me something to do with my kids this weekend

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GuideMilitary & VetsAde FisherSep 23, 20265 min

From EMT to Paramedic Without Wasting Two Years

The EMT card takes one semester. The paramedic card takes two years and changes what you get paid — here's how to sequence it, and who pays.

Delicious.com — Nine thousand recipes and a plan for tonight

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Community5 min read

How to Make Your Three Minutes at Town Hall Count

The agenda is public, the microphone is open, and almost nobody uses either one well. Do it right and you'll be the most useful person in the room.

Poll

How often do you see your closest friends?

GuideSchool & LearningAde FisherSep 23, 20265 min

A Gap Year Should Have a Boss

Most gap years fail for one reason, and it isn't laziness. Here's how to build one with a schedule, a paycheck and a date it ends.

GuideMilitary & VetsNina CastellanSep 23, 20266 min

Women in Uniform, the Standards and the Path In

Every military job is open to women. Here's what the gate actually looks like, what the fitness tables demand, and the family math nobody explains at the recruiting office.

Coconut.com — Tell us when. We find where the sun is.

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GuideCommunitySam OrtizSep 23, 20265 min

Volunteer Work for Teenagers That Isn't Resume Padding

The test isn't how it looks on a college application. It's whether anybody notices when your kid doesn't show up.

Quiz

Is your money actually in order?

Six questions. No email required, no sales pitch at the end.

GuideSchool & LearningSam OrtizSep 23, 20266 min

What to Say to Your Child's Teacher When Things Go Wrong

The email you write at 10 p.m. is never the one to send. Do this instead, and you'll get a real plan in about ten days.

GuideMilitary & VetsMarcus ValeSep 23, 20265 min

Turning Your Military Record Into a Resume Civilians Can Read

Your DD-214 isn't a resume. Here's how to pull your records, kill the acronyms, and put numbers on work that never had a dollar sign attached.

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Pressure-test my business idea

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GuideCommunityJosh HalloranSep 23, 20266 min

Stop Saying Let Me Know If You Need Anything

Your neighbor is having the worst month of his life. Here's what actually helps, and why week seven matters more than week one.

GermProof.com — An invisible germ barrier on your skin for hours

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GuideSchool & LearningRay OkonkwoSep 23, 20266 min

What to Know Before Your Kid Signs a Student Loan

Federal limits, the Parent PLUS trap, and the one number that decides whether the debt is survivable or not.

Poll

Where does your phone charge overnight?

GuideMilitary & VetsMarcus ValeSep 23, 20265 min

What Memorial Day Actually Asks of You

The flag goes to half-staff, then back up at noon. The country goes quiet at three. Small things, done right, keep a name from disappearing.

GuideCommunityMarcus ValeSep 23, 20266 min

How to Run for School Board or City Council and Actually Win

The filing deadline is earlier than you think, the voter file costs less than a night out, and the whole thing comes down to doors.

Dude.com — 16 AI advisers who listen, talk and are here with you

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GuideSchool & LearningSam OrtizSep 23, 20266 min

Spotting a Reading Problem Before Third Grade

Three made-up words on a napkin will tell you more about your kid's reading than a year of report cards.

Quiz

Does your wardrobe actually fit you?

Five questions, honestly answered, and a plan for the next two weeks.

Military & Vets6 min

What Military Retirement Pay Actually Comes To

Community6 min

How to Help After a Storm Without Getting in the Way

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Rehearse the raise conversation with me

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GuideSchool & LearningAde FisherSep 23, 20266 min

Community College First Is the Deal Nobody Brags About

Two years at the local campus, two years at the state school, one diploma that never mentions the difference. Here's how to run the play without losing credits.